Let me tell you—this BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl is what I call a “throw-it-together-and-still-feel-fancy” kind of meal. Whether you’re juggling back-to-school madness, working late, or just don’t feel like cooking (I see you), this bowl is a lifesaver. It’s flavorful, comforting, and sneakily packed with good-for-you ingredients. And yes, it totally counts as one of those easy inexpensive healthy meals we all dream about.

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Why You’ll Love This BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl

First off, it’s versatile. Cooking for a crowd? Double it up and you’ve got a healthy dinner for a large family. Eating solo and don’t want leftovers for days? Half it and you’ve got a healthy dinner idea for 1 person—meal-prep heaven! Plus, this dish is bursting with summer flavors, making it one of my favorite easy chicken summer dinner recipes.

This one-dish wonder also checks the box for lazy dinners healthy enough to make you feel smug about skipping takeout, yet hearty and satisfying to keep everyone at the table happy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the good stuff you’ll toss into your bowl. For exact measurements, scroll down to the recipe card.

For the Homemade BBQ Sauce:

Low sugar ketchup – the tangy base.
Worcestershire sauce – adds depth.
Apple cider vinegar – for that kick.
Paprika, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder – flavor party.
Salt, pepper & hot sauce – adjust to taste.

For the Bowls:

Quinoa – base layer full of protein.
Chicken broth (or water) – adds flavor while cooking quinoa.
Sweet potato – roasted goodness.
Rotisserie chicken – your weeknight hero.
Red onion – a pop of sharpness.
Butter & olive oil – for richness and roasting.
Ranch dressing – creamy contrast.
Cilantro – for a fresh finish.

Note: Full measurements are in the recipe card at the end.

Let’s Make It Happen

Quinoa first! Cook it per the box directions using chicken broth for extra oomph. Once done, fluff it with a fork, stir in butter, and season with salt and pepper.
Roast your sweet potatoes: Heat olive oil in a skillet, then toss in your diced sweet potatoes with a pinch of salt. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, stirring now and then until fork-tender.
Make the BBQ sauce: Mix all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Taste and tweak it—add more vinegar if you like it tangy or extra hot sauce if you’re feeling spicy.
Toss the chicken: Add your shredded rotisserie chicken to the bowl of sauce and coat it thoroughly.
Assemble those bowls: Start with the quinoa, then pile on BBQ chicken, sweet potatoes, and red onion. Drizzle ranch on top and sprinkle with fresh cilantro. Done and delicious.

Quick Tips for the Best Bowl

Shortcut Queen? Use store-bought BBQ sauce and ranch. Ain’t no shame.
Don’t like quinoa? Sub in rice, couscous, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist.
Want it spicy? Add jalapeños or more chili powder to the sauce.
Make it ahead: Great for one dish meal prep—store each component separately for max freshness.

Nova’s Note:

I first threw this together on a sweltering August day after a marathon of errands and dog walks. It was too hot to turn on the oven, but I needed real food that didn’t come in a takeout box. My husband cleaned his bowl and went back for seconds. That’s when I knew—it was a keeper. Now it’s my go-to for light and healthy meals that still feel like a treat.

FAQs

Can I make this without chicken? Absolutely. Try black beans or tofu tossed in the BBQ sauce for a vegetarian twist.

How do I store leftovers? Keep ingredients separate in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Makes great Whole 30 lunch ideas for work if you skip the ranch!

Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce? Yes! Just go for one that’s lower in sugar if you’re watching that.

So the next time you’re wondering what’s for dinner and you want something that’s easy, healthy, and just a little bit indulgent, this BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl has got your back. From chicken dinner recipes summer style to lazy night miracles—this one does it all.

BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl: A Lazy, Healthy Dinner That Hits Every Note

Author: Nova
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

This BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl is a quick, healthy, and flavorful one-dish dinner—perfect for busy nights or meal prep. Loaded with protein-rich quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, and a smoky homemade BBQ sauce, it’s a balanced, satisfying meal you’ll want on repeat.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 cup low sugar ketchup

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

1/8 tsp paprika

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp cumin

1/4 tsp chili powder

Salt and pepper to taste

3–4 dashes hot sauce (like Texas Pete)

1 cup quinoa

2 cups water or chicken broth

1 medium sweet potato, diced into bite-size pieces

3 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded or diced

1/2 medium red onion, diced

1 tbsp butter

1 tsp olive oil

Cilantro, for garnish

Homemade or store-bought ranch dressing

Instructions

1. Cook the quinoa according to package instructions using water or chicken broth. Once done, fluff with a fork and mix in butter, salt, and pepper.

2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced sweet potatoes and a pinch of salt. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fork-tender.

3. In a small bowl, mix ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper, and hot sauce. Adjust seasoning to taste.

4. Toss shredded rotisserie chicken in the BBQ sauce until evenly coated. Set aside.

5. Dice the red onion.

6. Assemble bowls: add a base of quinoa, then top with BBQ chicken, sweet potatoes, and red onion.

7. Drizzle generously with ranch dressing and sprinkle with fresh cilantro.

8. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Customize the spice level in your BBQ sauce to your liking.

This recipe works great for meal prep—store components separately for freshness.

Substitute quinoa with rice or cauliflower rice if preferred.

For a Whole30-friendly version, skip the ranch or use a compliant alternative.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 420
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 580mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl, Easy Chicken Summer Dinner Recipes, Lazy Dinners Healthy, One Dish Meal Prep, Healthy Dinner For Large Family, Whole 30 Lunch Ideas For Work, Light And Healthy Meals